Ex-US Rep. Rick Renzi wants bail during appeal

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Former U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi is asking a federal judge in
Tucson to allow him to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction on
public corruption, money laundering and other charges.

Federal prosecutors are opposing the former Arizona congressman's request to
delay the start of his three-year prison sentence.

Renzi claimed he has a good chance of winning a new trial or lesser sentence on
appeal. Prosecutors disagree.

Renzi and co-defendant James Sandlin are set to report to prison in January.
Sandlin was ordered to serve 18 months.

Renzi was convicted in June on 17 of 32 counts, including wire fraud,
conspiracy, extortion, racketeering, money laundering. The 55-year-old left
office in 2008 while facing the indictment.